Raw Food Guide

Introducing your dog to raw food

Introducing your dog to raw food can be a big change for them, therefore it is important to make the switch properly and ensure you are educated around raw feeding before making the transition. However, we understand there is a lot of information out there so it can be hard to navigate what product is the best for your dog.

At Dougie’s we have over 20 years’ experience in the supply of ingredients and services to the Pet Food Industry. Our frozen blocks make the process of raw feeding easy and convenient, which can help make the switch to a raw food diet a smooth transition.

All dogs’ young and old can benefit from a raw diet, with lots of benefits such as cleaner teeth, better digestion, a softer shiner coat, and less Vet visits!

Introducing a puppy to a raw food diet can be a much simpler process than with an older dog as they are much more adaptable. The process of introduction is a similar process to introducing adult dogs, however the amount you feed, and the frequency will alter. As they need to be fed around three times a day until six months.

Getting started

There are no hard and fast rules about switching to raw.

A rapid switch is the most straight forward approach, and you simply stop the old food and start the Raw for your dog’s next meal.

However, if you wish to add raw in increasing amounts, whilst decreasing the old food over 3 -5 days that’s fine too. We do recommend that you don’t feed dry and raw in the same meal. Dry food digests at a different speed than raw which can lead to upset tummies.

The most important thing is that you have chosen to make the switch and weather you do this right away or over a few days, you are starting on the road to see the benefits of a natural diet.

For puppies we recommend you do a straight swap rather than a gradual introduction with a combination of previous food. As the difference in digestive enzymes and PH in the mix of food can upset their stomach.

How much to feed your pup should also be around 2-3% of your puppy’s predicted adult weight. If you’re not sure what that will be, feed up to 10% of his current weight depending on his age. Our helpful team are also on hand to advise the best way to split the Dougie’s portions up for your pup.

Making the switch

We recommend feeding adult dogs twice a day, splitting their daily allowance equally over morning and evening meals. The recommended amount per day for an adult is 2% – 3% but you will need to monitor their weight and consider their age and activity levels. A dog that spends a lot of time outside may need a higher percentage.

If you have a working dog, we recommend feeding 3% – 6% when working, reducing this amount to 2% – 3% when not.

Puppies, depending on thier age, will need anywhere between 4-10% of their body weight spread across 3-4 Meals with a view to gradually reducing their feed to meet the 2-3% and 2 daily meal target when they reach adult age (12 months)

Making the switch

We recommend feeding adult dogs twice a day, splitting their daily allowance equally over morning and evening meals. The recommended amount per day for an adult is 2% – 3% but you will need to monitor their weight and consider their age and activity levels. A dog that spends a lot of time outside may need a higher percentage.

If you have a working dog, we recommend feeding 3% – 6% when working, reducing this amount to 2% – 3% when not.

Puppies will need 5-6% of their body weight spread across 3-4 Meals

Feeding guide

It is important to feed a variety of different proteins as each protein has different nutritional values.

For Adult Dogs feeding secreting organs are an important component to provide essential nutrients. Dougie’s 80/10/10 and 80/20 with Veg range has done the hard work for you and provide the balance of 80% meat 10% Bone 5% liver and 5% another secreting organ. If you are doing your own recipes, it is recommended that overall, you feed 5% liver and 5% other secreting organ which could be kidney, spleen and testicle.

Raw bones can be fed up to 2-3 times a week to promote dental hygiene and provide a naturally satisfying chew session for your pet. Some bones may last longer than others and some may be too hard for young dogs or older dogs with weaker teeth. So, make sure you choose the most appropriate bone or chew for your dog. Meaty Bones such as wings and necks can also be fed alongside meals to introduce bone content to a meal.

We do not advise feeding your pet cooked bones as they can splinter and cause serious harm, therefore always ensure your pets are supervised while eating bones.

There is a big debate in raw feeding – Fruit and Veg – to add or not to add that is the question! The addition of fruit and veg can provide essential nutrients and minerals. We advise that whatever you feed needs to be pulverised or crushed so your dog can digest them. You can feed a rainbow of fruit and veg including broccoli, spinach, carrots, blackberries, cranberries.

Do not feed your dog onion, grapes, raisins, walnuts, avocados or chocolate.

Feeding guide

It is important to feed a variety of different proteins as each protein has different nutritional values.

For Adult Dogs feeding secreting organs are an important component to provide essential nutrients. Dougie’s 80/10/10 and 80/20 with Veg range has done the hard work for you and provide the balance of 80% meat 10% Bone 5% liver and 5% another secreting organ. If you are doing your own recipes, it is recommended that overall, you feed 5% liver and 5% other secreting organ which could be kidney, spleen and testicle.

Raw bones can be fed up to 2-3 times a week to promote dental hygiene and provide a naturally satisfying chew session for your pet. Some bones may last longer than others and some may be too hard for young dogs or older dogs with weaker teeth. So, make sure you choose the most appropriate bone or chew for your dog. Meaty Bones such as wings and necks can also be fed alongside meals to introduce bone content to a meal.

We do not advise feeding your pet cooked bones as they can splinter and cause serious harm, therefore always ensure your pets are supervised while eating bones.

There is a big debate in raw feeding – Fruit and Veg – to add or not to add that is the question! The addition of fruit and veg can provide essential nutrients and minerals. We advise that whatever you feed needs to be pulverised or crushed so your dog can digest them. You can feed a rainbow of fruit and veg including broccoli, spinach, carrots, blackberries, cranberries.

Do not feed your dog onion, grapes, raisins, walnuts, avocados or chocolate.

Dog size & weight

Serving

50 – 150g

150 – 300g

250 – 500g

500 – 1kg

2% of bodyweight

Handling and safe storage

Correct hygiene procedures are vital when handling fresh, frozen or freeze-dried raw food for your dog. Here are some hints and tips.

Keep your raw pet food frozen until it is required for use.

Use a dedicated container for storage of the product in the freezer. Ensuring to keep away from other food within the refrigerator or freezer.

Defrost frozen pet foods away from other food, food preparation areas and equipment.

Wash and disinfect all surfaces, dishes, and utensils used immediately after each use.

Keep your pets feeding area clean and disinfect as soon as your pet has finished eating. Throwing away any raw pet food that is not eaten as soon as reasonably practical.

Handling and preparation

Correct hygiene procedures are vital when handling fresh, frozen or freeze-dried raw food for your dog. Here are some hints and tips.

Ensure your product is in good condition and there are no visible signs of damage to the packaging or discolouration of the product itself.

Keep your hands clean at all time – wash with hot water and soap before and after handling the food and packaging.

Wash and disinfect all surfaces, dishes, and utensils immediately after each use.

As soon as your pet has finished eating, remove and carefully dispose of any uneaten food.

Keep your pets feeding area clean and disinfect as soon as your pet has finished eating.

Hygiene around Pet Food

Your hands should be washed with soap and hot water immediately after handling and preparing any raw pet food or treats.

Pet food and treats should be stored and defrosted away from where human food is stored and prepared.

Clean and disinfect all surfaces that the raw pet food has touched, such as microwaves, work surfaces, storage containers and utensils such as knives, forks and bowls.

Defrosting raw pet food musts

Ensure your product is in good condition and there are no visible signs of damage to the packaging or discolouration of the product itself.

Keep your hands clean at all time – wash with hot water and soap before and after handling the food and packaging.

Wash and disinfect all surfaces, dishes, and utensils immediately after each use.